Cait Patel is a Columbia native and artist who is passionate about books, reading, and increasing literacy rates. In addition to her job at Thrivent Financial, she also operates a small non-profit she founded in late 2025 called Palmetto Purpose that exists to bring free and low cost social connection events to the local community. She also volunteers with the non-profit Sistercare and is a member of the professional organization, Columbia Opportunity Resource.